Monday, November 19, 2012

I first got a little obsessed with laurel wreaths when Amy
Howard posted about her collection. Trust me I spent a few days
searching far and wide for one of these little gems to no avail. There’s just
something about then that drew me in big time!

Then I saw this image on pinterest and I thought there might
be some hope in finding a laurel wreath of my very own. “Leaf crowns and "sprays" were used
in France, Holland and Belgium to award people for their achievements or
services, as our trophies do. There were sprays of leaves hung on doors, pinned
on clothing and sometimes in the form of a wreath crown.”

"A laurel wreath is made from the
branches and leaves of the laurel tree and is worn on the head as an emblem of
victory. It has been worn by winners of games and competitions like the
Olympics and also worn by important people throughout history. Today, it is an
award for winning a championship or commemorating an important event."

A laurel wreath
is a circular wreath made of interlocking branches and leaves of the bay
laurel, an aromatic broadleaf evergreen. Now I know what a bay leaf looks like
but if you’ll notice the wreaths seem to have oak leaves intermixed as well so
I got curious as to why.

The story goes: The
use of this wreath comes from the Greek myth involving Apollo, Zeus’ son and
the god of life and light, who fell in love with the nympe Daphne. When he
pursued her she fled and asked the river god Peneus to help her. Peneus turned
her into a laurel tree. From that day, Apollo wore a wreath of laurel on his
head.

The use of oak
leaves symbolized wisdom, and were associated with Zeus, who according to Greek
mythology made his decisions while resting in an oak grove. Since Zeus was
Apollo’s Dad that’s how the two leaves were mixed together. As you can see from
this bridal wreath crown they also used the berries from the laurel plant and
acorns from the oak tree.

You would think these little laurel leaf wreath awards
would be easier to find then something carved out of wood and gold leafed but
luckily I found a few that are going on my Christmas wish list. Since Mister
man reads my blog…Oh honey!

I was trying very hard not to collect anything new but I can’t
help myself and got my collection started off with two small finds. Two 19th
century stamped copper awards from France with of course Laurel wreaths!

So who out there shares my love of laurel wreaths? Or what
else might you collect?

The holiday Season is just around the corner starting this
week with Thanksgiving. I would like to wish each and every one of you a very
Happy Thanksgiving!

I totally get your newest crush!They are pretty fabulous and I love the background you brought us. You can be sure I will be on the look out for you on my travels from now on!!!!I hope your hubby delivers for Christmas!!!Love,

Hi, Debra - I love these, as well! I have a couple laurel wreath awards and one tiny pin at home. I never knew the origin and significance....thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Warmly,Loi

I am totally with you on this obsession.. I have a couple images saved myself.. I've never seen any in person, so the collecting part might not come easy. Rare usually comes with a big price tag too! Loved this post- satisfying our obsessions by blogging!Jan

Debra, I now know about these little wreaths and they are absolutely gorgeous. I never really saw them. What will u use them for? Will you hang them on the wall? They are stunning. Thanks for teaching me about them.Lisa

I want one!!! Now you have me curious and wanting to find one of my own:) I only saw one a few years ago when we were in France at someones home that we went to dinner for, it really caught my eye and was gorgeous. I think they are quite pricey....let us know if you find one!Happy Thanksgiving.....wishing you a happy, healthy and relaxing holiday!

I love this! Every night I sleep under an Amy Howard laurel wreath! 10 years ago, when deciding on a new master bed, we loved the look of her furniture line, so we have a beautiful wooden, hand painted headboard with laurel wreaths!! I'll appreciate it even more now, knowing your appreciation for them.

ah! these are divine, debra. I have to say I have never seen one, or don't remember seeing one. but thanks for passing on this obsession. I'll be looking out for a wreath from now on. happiest of holidays to you! donna

My laurel wreath sconce that I brought back from a house in Normandy is getting a much "prettier" tag on it tomorrow! I always knew I loved it!!! Hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful! And yes, I love laurel wreaths and think this is a wonderful thing to start collecting!

These are beyond gorgeous. I love the greek story behind them. Perhaps I should be turned into a tree too that way no on could pursue me! Ha ha. Gotta love that Daphne. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving too, Debra!! xo

I find Greek mythology so fascinating! A little romance in all the stories :) I always enjoy finding out the origin of these kinds of things. They are beautiful and definitely worth starting a collection Debra! I'm sure the Mister will get the hint and begin his quest to find the perfect one/s ;)

Debra,What a great post. I didn't know the history of the laurel wreath and have never seen one with the oak leaves and acorns (I love acorns and oak leaves). These are amazing samples. I did recently purchase a vintage trophy with a girl holding a laurel wreath in her extended arm. What fun, hope Mr. Acquired Objects makes your Christmas wishes come true!Karen

Debra, what a wonderful post! Thank you for all the information and history. I used to see these every now and then but not so much anymore. I absolutely understand your obsession with them. I haven't been blogging in a few months but hope to start up again in time for the new year...coming much too soon!Happy Thanksgiving to you, Mister Man and Dylan too! XO

Great story! - I would have guessed it symbolized a union (treaty) between France and England (oak's a natl symbol). I totally get the obsession for these classic beauties - my newest obsession is vintage kitchen canisters - you can never have too many of those - or can you?!

Oh my gosh, I didn't know those even existed anymore...lovely...I don't blame you for starting a collection, I would too!I have been collecting mercury glass, clay cook pots, white ware just to name a few. Love the pictures, Thanks!Nancyhttp://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

Nice blog. I will keep visiting this website very often. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.--------------------------------Thanh Le - HomeDesignLove.Comhttp://www.homedesignlove.com

I also love laurel wreaths, especially the crowns. I have a bronze wreath that was probably an ornamentation because it has two pin holes for attaching to something. I have had it so long that I cannot even remember where I acquired it, but it has been propped up among my treasures for years. I haven't ever seen another laurel wreath in any form in person. Good luck in your hunt and I hope your Christmas wish comes true.Best...Victoria

I share your love of laurel awards. yay! I was lucky enough to find one at an estate sale here in Colorado. I didn't know what it was at the time, only that I had to have it. It is particularly wonderful but they seem to be about as rare as hen's teeth. Nice to meet a kindred spirit!

Hi Debra - I felt the same way when I saw Amy's collection on Facebook. I started searching as well - but for the kind that she had...on a stand. I couldn't find anything like she had. Looked again today in fact.

Thanks for your post - I have to look at the sites you mentioned. I would still love to acquire a few of the laurel wreaths. But - my collecting is getting a bit out of hand and I promised myself to "go lighter" in 2013. That may never happen!!